HUMAN RABIES VACCINE
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved human rabies vaccine on 23 August 2017. This medicine is used to prevent rabies infection.
Uses
It is used as a preventative measure against rabies before or after exposure to the virus (pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis). Rabies infection spreads when a person is bitten, scratched, or licked by an infected animal, especially when the skin is already injured.
How is it administered?
Human rabies vaccine is available as syringes which are administered through an intramuscular route by your doctor. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with Human rabies vaccine, pain, induration, erythema, injection site reaction (pruritus), fever, headache, nausea, and dizziness. Report your doctor immediately, if you experience severe allergic reactions, lymphadenopathy [swelling of lymph nodes].
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the vaccines or its components. However, there are no absolute contraindications after exposure to rabies. Consult your doctor about the prescribed and non-prescribed medication (corticosteroids or immunosuppressive) before using the vaccine. Consult your doctor if you have had any underlying acute illness before receiving a human rabies vaccine.
Precautions
Consult your healthcare provider if you plan to get pregnant. However, the medication has not been given to expectant mothers, and it should only be used when the projected advantages outweigh any possible hazards to the fetus. It is important to carefully read and understand the warnings and precautions associated with the medication. Patients should report to the doctor if they react to vaccine exposure.
Word of Advice
Adequate rest is recommended to support recovery following vaccination. A cold compress applied to the injection site may help reduce post-vaccination inflammation and itching. The wound or animal-bitten area should be washed thoroughly with water for 10–15 minutes. After drying, apply 70% alcohol to the affected area.
References
Zydus Cadila Private Limited, [Accessed on 12/03/2024], https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadSmPC/2cad.pdf Bio-Med (P) Limited, [Accessed on 12/03/2024], http://www.biomed.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Package-insert.jpg Bavarian Nordic A/S. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2021] [Accessed on 12/03/2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2502.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can human rabies vaccines prevent rabies infection?
Yes, it is a vaccine and intended to prevent rabies infection. The attenuated rabies virus found in human rabies vaccine prompts the body's immune system to produce antibodies to fight rabies viruses.
Is it safe to take human rabies vaccines along with other medication?
Before using the vaccine, inform your doctor about the prescribed and non-prescribed medication (corticosteroids or immuno-suppressives). This might reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
For whom are human rabies vaccines not recommended?
It is not advised to use human rabies vaccines if you have a high fever, an acute disease that must be treated, or an allergy to the vaccine. Before getting the vaccine, speak with your physician.
How to use the human rabies vaccination?
Human rabies vaccine is available as an injection that is given by intramuscular route. It is recommended to give a pre-exposure vaccine in three intramuscular injections on days [0, 7, 21, or 28]. In contrast, for the post-exposure vaccine, it is recommended to give five injections on days [0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 90]. However, your healthcare professional will decide the dosage regimen based on your conditions.
May I experience an injection site reaction after receiving the human rabies vaccine?
Yes, you may have injection site reactions like pain, redness, or swelling after receiving the vaccine. It is advised to use a cold compress at the injection to reduce the inflammation and itching after the vaccination.